Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 12, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60906-60912]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-24492]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0807; Product Identifier 2018-NM-003-AD; Amendment 
39-19674; AD 2019-13-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that revealed the 
wheel axles of the main landing gear (MLG) were machined with a certain 
radius and a determination that the life limit for the affected wheel 
axles of the MLG must be reduced. This AD requires an inspection to 
determine the part number and serial number of each MLG wheel axle and 
replacement of affected parts prior to exceeding the reduced life 
limits. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 17, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 17, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email: [email protected]; 
internet: http://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information 
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0807.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0807; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

[[Page 60907]]

The AD docket contains this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket 
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3229.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS 
Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 15, 2018 (83 FR 
51889). The NPRM was prompted by a report that revealed the wheel axles 
of the MLG were machined with a radius as small as 0.4 millimeters (mm) 
and a determination that the life limit for the affected wheel axles of 
the MLG must be reduced. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection to 
determine the part number and serial number of each MLG wheel axle and 
replacement of affected parts prior to exceeding the reduced life 
limits.
    The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain 
Airbus SAS Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series 
airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on April 15, 
2019 (84 FR 15154). The FAA issued the SNPRM to add certain airplanes 
to certain compliance time tables.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue of the wheel axles of 
the MLG, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0150, dated July 16, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-
200, and A340-300 series airplanes.
    This AD was prompted by a report that revealed the wheel axles of 
the MLG were machined with a radius as small as 0.4 millimeters and a 
determination that the life limit for the affected wheel axles of the 
MLG must be reduced. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue of 
the wheel axles of the MLG, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background 
information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA considered the comments received. 
An anonymous commenter and Laith Ibrahim stated their support for the 
NPRM.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor 
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330-32-3282, Revision 03, dated 
October 24, 2017; and Service Bulletin A340-32-4311, Revision 03, dated 
October 24, 2017. This service information describes procedures for 
inspecting the MLG wheel axles to determine the part number and serial 
number, and replacing the affected MLG wheel axles. This service 
information also specifies reduced life limits for the affected MLG 
wheel axles. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
airplane models.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 29 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170...........................              $0             $170           $4,930
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacements that would be required based on the results of 
any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these on-condition replacements:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
        Labor cost  (per part)          Parts cost (per    product (per
                                             part)            part)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,360.         $40,000          $41,360
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA

[[Page 60908]]

with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by 
prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the 
Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This 
regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses 
an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products 
identified in this rulemaking action.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2019-13-01 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19674; Docket No. FAA-2018-0807; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-003-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 17, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2013-08-03, Amendment 39-17420 (78 FR 23105, 
April 18, 2013) (``AD 2013-08-03'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any 
category, specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes, all 
manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs), except those on which Airbus 
Modification 54500 has been embodied in production.
    (2) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers, except MSNs 
0896, 0905, and 0913 (which are specified in paragraph (c)(3) of 
this AD), and except those on which Airbus Modification 54500 has 
been embodied in production.
    (3) Model A330-343 airplanes, MSNs 0896, 0905, and 0913, except 
those on which the actions in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3273 
have been embodied in service.
    (4) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes, all manufacturer 
serial numbers, except those on which Airbus Modification 54500 has 
been embodied in production.
    (5) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes, all manufacturer 
serial numbers, except those on which Airbus Modification 54500 has 
been embodied in production.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that revealed the wheel axles 
of the main landing gear (MLG) were machined with a radius as small 
as 0.4 millimeters and a determination that the life limit for the 
affected wheel axles of the MLG must be reduced. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address fatigue of the wheel axles of the MLG, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, the affected MLG wheel axles are 
listed by part number and serial number in Appendix 01 (Maintenance 
Repair Organization (MRO) 001), Appendix 02 (MRO 002), and Appendix 
03 (MRO 003) of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3282, Revision 03, 
dated October 24, 2017; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4311, 
Revision 03, dated October 24, 2017; as applicable.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable MLG wheel axle is 
an affected MLG wheel axle that has not exceeded the applicable 
post-repair life limit values as specified in table 1 to paragraphs 
(g)(2), (g)(3), and (i) of this AD, table 2 to paragraphs (g)(2), 
(g)(3), and (i) of this AD, or table 3 to paragraphs (g)(2), (g)(3), 
and (i) of this AD; or a part that is not an affected MLG wheel 
axle.
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    (3) For the purpose of this AD, the term ``post-repair life 
limits'' represents the time-in-service, flight cycles, or flight 
hours, whichever occurs first, accumulated since repair by the 
affected MRO specified in table 1 to paragraphs (g)(2), (g)(3), and 
(i) of this AD, table 2 to paragraphs (g)(2), (g)(3), and (i) of 
this AD, or table 3 to paragraphs (g)(2), (g)(3), and (i) of this 
AD.

(h) Inspection To Determine Part Number and Serial Number

    Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Do an 
inspection of each MLG wheel axle (left-hand and right-hand sides) 
to determine the part number and serial number. A review of airplane 
delivery or maintenance records is acceptable to make this 
determination, in lieu of inspecting a MLG wheel axle, provided 
those records can be relied upon for that purpose and the part 
number and serial number of the affected part can be positively 
identified from that review.

(i) Replacement of Affected MLG Wheel Axles

    If any affected MLG wheel axle is found: Within the compliance 
time specified in table 1 to paragraphs (g)(2), (g)(3), and (i) of 
this AD, table 2 to paragraphs (g)(2), (g)(3), and (i) of this AD, 
or table 3 to paragraphs (g)(2), (g)(3), and (i) of this AD; replace 
each repaired MLG wheel axle with a serviceable MLG wheel axle, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-32-3282, Revision 03, dated October 24, 2017; or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4311, Revision 03, dated October 24, 
2017; as applicable. Post-repair life limits specified in tables 1, 
2, and 3 to paragraphs (g)(2), (g)(3), and (i) of this AD may not 
exceed the applicable ALS Part 1 life limits in the existing 
maintenance or inspection program.

(j) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, any affected MLG wheel axle 
repaired using MRO 001, MRO 002, or MRO 003 may be installed

[[Page 60912]]

on an airplane, provided the MLG wheel axle is a serviceable part as 
defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

(k) Terminating Action for AD 2013-08-03

    Accomplishing the inspection and replacement required by 
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD terminates all requirements of AD 
2013-08-03.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0150, dated July 16, 2018, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2018-0807.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3229.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3282, Revision 03, dated 
October 24, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4311, Revision 03, dated 
October 24, 2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: 
+33 5 61 93 45 80; email: [email protected]; 
internet: http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on July 3, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-24492 Filed 11-8-19; 8:45 am]
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